Forefibbing
Monday January 11, 2021
That would be when the weather forecasters are presenting “alternate realities”. Today the wind was predicted to be 5-15 knots from the southeast. What we encountered was more like 15 to 20 gusting 25 knots. I wonder if forecast wind speeds with such a large range are suggestive of “models that don’t converge”—or to normal people “the weatherman has no idea what is going to happen”. The dawn was very rosy with low clouds lit up by the rising sun and a layer of higher gray overcast. There’s an old adage about that red sky at dawning!
It started off well enough we got the anchor up at the appointed hour and made the 7:30 am opening of the first bridge. We got all lined up for the second bridge at 8 am. Just as the bridge was getting ready to open, I asked myself “what is that on the other side of the bridge”? The waterway ahead seemed to be completely blocked by something. Indeed it was the “Celebrity Silhouette” in the turning basin beyond the bridge. It made very slow work of its pirouette. A port security boat was standing by with flashing lights to make sure that we didn’t get anywhere near the cruise ship. Eventually we were on our way again. Just as we emerged from behind the behemoth we realized that the winds were really strong! Luckily we weren’t going too far, only about 10 miles to Key Biscayne.
Our plan had been to enter No Name Harbor or to anchor just off it if there wasn’t enough room inside. However the powerful winds from the southeast made us choose the anchorage to the west of the island. Just as we were approaching the harbor, we saw a pod of dolphin. One came up really close to the cockpit and leaped out of the water completely right next to us! We were stunned – it felt like we could have reached out and touched it. Looking back, I saw that dolphin repeat the trick. Amazing!
In the afternoon we took the dinghy round to No Name Harbor and walked around Bill Baggs state park. It’s named after the guy who was instrumental in purchasing the land for the park (and thereby keeping it from being developed). There are numerous beaches, a lighthouse, picnic groves and even cafes with outdoor dining! Naturally we had lunch and a good long walk. Things are looking up.
Gloria
25 41.534 N, 80 10.633 W
Good to see that your new friends were all wearing masks.
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